First Arts: Inuit & First Nations Art

May 28, 2019

LOT 45

Lot 45

DAVIDIALUK ALASUA AMITTU (1910-1976)

DAVIDIALUK ALASUA AMITTU (1910-1976)
Lot 45 Details
DAVIDIALUK ALASUA AMITTU (1910-1976), E9-824, Povungnituk / Puvirnituq

TWO HUNTERS WITH CAPSIZED KAYAK

stone and ivory
signed "Devidealok" and with disc number
10 x 5 x 2 in — 25.4 x 12.7 x 5.1 cm

Estimate $4,000-$6,000

Realised: $16,800
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
DAVIDIALUK ALASUA AMITTU (1910-1976)
  • DAVIDIALUK ALASUA AMITTU (1910-1976)
  • DAVIDIALUK ALASUA AMITTU (1910-1976)
  • DAVIDIALUK ALASUA AMITTU (1910-1976)
  • DAVIDIALUK ALASUA AMITTU (1910-1976)
Provenance:

an Ottawa private collection; Albrecht Collection, Scottsdale; a St. Catharine’s private collection

Note:

We are more used to seeing this type of marine disaster imagery from Davidialuk’s cousin Joe Talirunili; Davidialuk himself preferred to carve legends and myths. Looking at this scene, we can’t help being reminded of Davidialuk’s carved depiction of the story of Alikammiq, the kayak hunter who drowned and miraculously revived three days later (see reference below). However, this work might illustrate something more personal, perhaps even an event in the artist’s own life. We recall a fascinating Umiaq Adventure by Davidialuk that did in fact relate just such an accident (see Walker’s May 2018, Lot 22). Davidialuk has imbued this kayak misadventure scene with a marvelous mix of realism, movement, a sense of urgency, and emotional intensity. We truly feel as if we are there.

Reference: for a possibly related work and story see Zebedee Nungak and Eugene Arima, Inuit Stories: Povungnituk (Canadian Museum of Civilization, 1988), pp. 94-95; also illustrated in Swinton (1972/92) figs. 363-364.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 45
×

About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.